These detentions under the EO and ISA raise serious questions, such as why action has not been taken under the Penal Code and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. Instead, the authorities have chosen to rely on preventive detention legislation that is devoid of any proper regard and safeguards for human rights. The EO and the ISA are convenient tools for the police, as their use means that no evidence need be produced in a court of law to support the police’s allegations. This entirely sidesteps adherence to the due process of the law.

Fahri Azzat, who occasionally visits the Istana Kehakiman to do a bit of filing, breakfast and use the impressive toilets, shares his thoughts on the security machines and guards stationed at the entrances calling for the removal of both.